Checklist to be attached to papers
Final Check
I have spell-checked my paper (a matter of choice--as you know, I am ambivalent
about spell-checkers).
I have PRINTED a draft of my paper and proofread it for errors of grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
I have had someone else proofread my paper.
I read my paper aloud.
My pages are numbered and my paper is clearly printed and stapled.
I have underlined [__ ] words that I looked up in my dictionary.
I have included everything I was supposed to turn in (outline, draft,
completed checklist, etc.).
I have pulled one (or more) sentences from my paper to use in my grammar
notebook.
Mechanics
I have eliminated run-on sentences and fragments. (Judicious use of semicolons
can often help.)
I have weeded out contractions and made sure my use of apostrophes is
correct.
I have replaced slang and colloquialisms with more formal language (Standard
Written English).
I have used my dictionary and/or thesaurus to make sure my word choices are
appropriate.
I have checked for misplaced modifiers (dangling participles, etc.).
I have made sure all my pronouns have clear antecedents. Pronouns agree with
their antecedents.
I do not use the word "this" as the subject of a sentence.
I do not begin a sentence with "Also..."
My verbs agree with their subjects.
My tenses are consistent and do not shift abruptly.
Where possible and appropriate, I have used active voice rather than passive.
I have tried to replace some prepositional phrases and nominalizations with
more lively constructions.
Content
I have a thesis. It is clearly stated, and it is near the beginning of my
paper.
Each paragraph has ONE strong, organizing focus and a topic sentence.
My sentences follow one another logically, and I have strong transitions
between paragraphs.
I have used evidence, examples, and references to support my argument.
Quotations are accurately copied, properly cited, and grammatically integrated
into the paper.
I do not mind if other people read my paper.
I do not mind if other people read my paper, as long as my name is not used.
I do not want anyone else to see my paper.
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